Benzema Hits New Milestone and the Five Things We Learnt As Real Madrid Thump Almeria

• Real Madrid replicated their 4-2 scoreline against Girona in midweek, this time with the result in their favour
• Karim Benzema was the star, scoring three goals in the opening period of play, while Rodrygo added to his tally as Madrid returned to winning ways
• The win temporarily eats into Barcelona's lead at the summit of La Liga

Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a convincing 4-2 triumph over UD Almeria, recovering from their midweek slump against Girona.

A first half hattrick from talisman Karim Benzema and a solitary strike from Rodrygo Goes rendered Lazaro and Lucas Robertone's goals a consolation as Madrid cut Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to eight points, albeit playing one game more than the Catalan giants.

Sports Brief takes a look at the five takeaways from Real Madrid's fifth win in their last six matches across all competitions:

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Madrid's defensive woes continues

Real Madrid's lethal attack, led by Karim Benzema has been let down by a defence full of cracks throughout the campaign, with Saturday afternoon's La Liga clash with Almeria not an exception.

Among the top four clubs in the Spanish top flight, Los Blancos has the worst defensive record, shipping in a staggering 30 goals in 32 games. Recently it appeared Carlo Ancelotti had found an antidote to his side's leaky defence, but Taty Castellanos of Girona breached Madrid's rear on four occasions in a single game.

The situation was no different when the defending champions hosted UD Almeria at the Bernabeu, conceding two goals.

Karim Benzema sets new milestone

Karim Benzema continues to make history with Real Madrid, bagging a sensational first-half hattrick to help Real Madrid return to winning ways after their shocking defeat against Girona in midweek.

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The Frenchman's three-goal haul helped him reach a goal-scoring landmark in the Spanish top flight, surpassing Hugo Sanchez to become the league's fourth all-time top scorer with 236 goals. Only behind Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Telmo Zarra, MARCA reports.

The reigning Ballon d'Or holder appears to have rediscovered his mojo at the right time as Real Madrid seek to defend their Champions League title, add the Copa del Rey to their trophy collection and finish the league on a high.

Samba boys flourishing on the flanks

Real Madrid's Brazilian pair Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes have been immense this term, with the former reaching 20 goals and 20 assists for the second successive season.

The duo linked up brilliantly to set up talisman Karim Benzema for the first and second goals before Rodrygo scored early in the second half to help the White Angels shake off their midweek disappointment.

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They have been a menace for any defence all throughout the current campaign and could prove pivotal if Madrid stands a chance of winning a silverware this season.

Ceballos steps up brilliantly

The cool, calm and collected Spanish midfielder stepped up to fill the big shoes of the Croatian maestro, Luka Modric, who missed Madrid's league tie against Almeria on Saturday.

Ceballos put in an assured performance from the heart of midfield, ensuring that the veteran midfielder was not missed - striking a perfect balance between his attacking and defensive duties without breaking a sweat.

He had a 94.5 per cent pass accuracy while completing four out of five dribbles and winning 10 of 15 duels interlaced with an assist to cap off a brilliant day at the office.

Toni Kroos sloppy in possession

Toni Kroos was uncharacteristically reckless in possession, costing Real Madrid a goal, per SB Nation.

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The usually composed German, who rarely faults with the ball at his feet, was caught in possession on quite a number of occasions and in dangerous areas, largely owing to the position Carlo Ancelotti deployed him - acting as a screen for the defence.

Perhaps his worst game in a Real Madrid shirt, Kroos was afforded a much-needed rest when he was replaced by Nacho Fernandez in the 72nd minute.